News of the major investment plans for the county’s roads comes amid stern denials that the overloaded A3 will be carved up to ease congestion.

Transport sources suggested last week that the road, which carries thousands of commuters each day, could be re-routed through the north of Guildford after major work to ease the bottleneck at Hindhead is carried out.

But politicians have scotched the idea, saying the rumour is unfounded despite transport experts’ admission this week that Guildford will become “a critical bottleneck” over coming years.

The A3 will also have to take the strain of as many as 60,000 new users when Surrey County Council builds 35,000 homes to satisfy Government housing demands.

The South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA) announced it would conduct a study into the future of the A3 in a draft of its “ambitious” long-term Regional Transport Strategy (RTS), consultations on which begin at the end of June.

The document states: “A study is required to consider further the options for resolving the transport issues associated with the future role and advantage of this hub”.

On Monday, the county’s executive committee will note the strategy and, over coming months, politicians will work through further options with local councils and the Highways Agency, which is responsible for the A3.

Meanwhile, Guildford Borough Council has acted to quash fears among residents about the alleged plans for an A3 “bypass” through the town.

Council leader Fiona White said: “From the perspective of Guildford borough, the revamp of the A3 as a rumour is correct – but it is just that, a rumour.

“The whole issue of development in Surrey up to and beyond 2016 is, however, of vital importance to all our communities.”

A spokesman from the county council added that it was unaware of what might be proposed once consultations on the RTS begin.

But she said that increased pressure on the county’s infrastructure – and that of Guildford in particular – needs to be examined closely.

Other options consulting organisations might consider could include improving slip roads off the A3 and even widening the road on that stretch, sources have said.

* There was more transport woe for rail commuters this week as Surrey’s main operator, SouthWest Trains, told passengers they can no longer take their bicycles onto overcrowded trains.

The news will leave thousands of commuters to find alternative transport when they arrive at work, but SWT officials say the rule has always been in place – just never enforced. Read the full article in this week's Rush Lead